THE INQUEST into the “sudden and unexpected” death of a Southampton youngster known for her “wonderful smile” will be held today.

Shanique Edwards was just eight years old when she died at Southampton General Hospital, leaving her family and many school friends shocked and devastated.

At the time of her death last November, no official reason was given as to what caused the tragedy but Southampton Coroner’s Court has indicated that it was due to natural causes. The short hearing on Thursday morning will establish the cause of her death.

Pupils at Ludlow Junior School, in Woolston, where Shanique was a student, were offered support to help them deal with the sudden loss of their classmate.

Staff at the Peveril Road school said that Shanique was “a very friendly, supportive and kind member of Year 4”.

Superstar Earlier in the term before she died, Shanique had been named as a ‘Ludlow Superstar’ in the school’s reward scheme after being nominated by class teachers for her good behaviour.

Children were given the sad news of her death in special classes. Alongside Shanique’s family, teachers said they are working with youngsters to plan the best ways to remember her in school.

Tributes were paid to the youngster on social networking sites, with messages of condolence to her mother, Keesha Edwards, of Thornhill.